Would-be robbers remain at large after Unicoi home invasion

UNICOI — Officials with the Unicoi County Sheriff's Department are continuing their search for two men who forced their way into a Unicoi home on Monday evening with the intent of robbing the residence.

"The search still continue for these two individuals," UCSD Chief Deputy Frank Rogers said Wednesday afternoon.

Unicoi County Sheriff Mike Hensley said previously that the home invasion and attempted robbery was reported at around 9:30 p.m. A woman reported that she had returned to her home on Pleasant Hill Drive, located off Marbleton Road, and was approached by two men wearing ski masks.

Hensley said the men forced the woman into her home, where they taped her to a chair. The men then demanded the combination to a safe in the home, threatening to kill the woman's husband upon his return if she did not provide the combination, Hensley said.

The woman told the men she did not have the combination and was unable to open the safe. Hensley said the men searched the home for money, but nothing was taken. The woman was able to free herself after the robbers left, and she contacted 911. She was not harmed in the incident.

On Monday evening, police dogs were able to track the men from the residence to Marbleton Road, where the track was lost. That evening, the area was sealed off and several deputies were stationed there.

Hensley said the attempted robbery does not appear to be a random, as the robbers awaited the arrival of the residents and planned the act.

Rogers said that officials were in the area again on Tuesday to provide extra security to the victims. He said officials are investigating information they have received since Monday.

"We're working on a series of leads but, as far as identifying a suspect, at this time we're not in a position to elaborate on it," he said.

Those with any information or who see suspicious activity are asked to contact 911 or the sheriff's department at 743-1850.